torireadsagain's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
rdhk's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I went into this volume of short stories not expecting much—so much literary short fiction is unbearably pretentious. This book has the most sparkling prose, conversations bursting with wit and discomfort, and horribly messed up, fascinating characters. As an international lawyer, the fictionalised narrative about one of the authors of the infamous "torture memos" was like a trainwreck—I couldn't tear my eyes away. The book manages to be deeply tense and moody without being dreary. Ten on ten!
elizabethgonnering's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hilloryjoy's review against another edition
3.0
I decided to read this book based on the cover design when I saw it on the shelf at the library - and then thinking the description sounded good. Most of the individual stories were interesting, however for the most part there were no likable characters. I also found that some of the stories were very loose in their relation to "creative types". Overall, the collections of stories was fine, but I didn't love it.
naferris's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
cecilia10's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
eashby2's review against another edition
This audiobook did not keep my interest. I found my mind kept wandering and I could not follow the stories at all.
kim_lockhart's review against another edition
4.0
These stories, as bleak as they are, feature some dynamite characters who are even more intriguing than the plotlines. Also, the writing is really good, and highly engaging. But, ya gotta be prepared for the themes which are: discomfort, crossed wires, and disappointment. I think once that's clear, it's less distressing to deal with. I really liked the stories overall, with the possible exception of "Hack" which I didn't completely understand.
rray_'s review against another edition
4.0
I was getting into this one expecting to hate it - especially after reading the reviews and *especially* after reading the description of the eponymous short (a cishet couple hire a female escort - rarely ends up being more than an excuse for male [and women!] writers to sexually humiliate two het women on paper, whether to vent kinks or whatever reason) - but it actually turned out excellent. The stories are very contemplative, with deeply developed characters in such a short space and with Elmore Leonard or Hemingway-like brevity, and especially in regards to Interview with The Avenger coming off as well researched (I recall after the tragic Batman theater shooting a rise of superhero-inspired nonviolent vigilantism by citizens desperate to stop further violence and a number of articles from The Atlantic to The New Yorker interviewing some - and Bissell's words seem very much grounded and earnest). Really, I thought it was a great read!
jamlefevre's review against another edition
Honestly, I’m not in the right headspace to read books that are going to make me work hard to read them, so I’m DNF-ing any that I am struggling with until I feel like I want a challenge again. Maybe this is worthwhile, and I’ll reconsider down the road.